Oregon Legislative Tie

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The legislative tie that fostered a relatively collegial and bipartisan spirit in Salem for the past two years is coming to an end. Democrats will retake firm control of Oregon's state government today. In the state House, an even split between Republicans and Democrats forced the parties to resolve every issue with a bipartisan agreement. The 77th Legislature will convene for the first time with a more liberal House and a more conservative Senate. Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber also will deliver his annual state of the state address to a joint session of the House and Senate.